THE number of house fires caused by careless smokers in the region is on the increase.

A television and radio campaign is launched today to highlight the extent of the problem in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Across the region, 259 house fires were caused by smoking materials during 2000, compared with 242 in 1999, according to Government figures.

And the situation could be much worse, as figures released to coincide with the "Put it out. Right out" campaign exclude fires started by lighters and matches.

Nationally, 136 people died from smoking-related fires in their homes - a third of all house fire deaths. The number of related deaths in the region during the same period fell from ten to eight.

Although no figures have been released for last year, a number of fatal fires involving smoking materials have already been reported.

These included a pensioner from Billingham, on Teesside, who died in October after falling asleep with a cigarette in his mouth.

It is also believed that a man who died in a house fire in East Cowton, North Yorkshire, in June, also fell asleep while smoking.

In Northumberland, the number of smoking-related incidents rose 143 per cent, from seven to 17.

County Durham's figures fell from 36 fires to 35, with three deaths in both 1999 and 2000. The Cleveland force saw fires rise from 67 to 72, with one death in 1999.

North Yorkshire had a 23 per cent rise in smoking-related fires, from 35 to 43, but deaths fell from two to none, while Tyne and Wear fires fell from 97 to 92, with a rise in deaths from four to five.

The campaign aims to highlight the dangers of careless smoking, and urges people to be especially careful when stubbing out cigarettes.

Fire Safety Minister Alan Whitehead, said last night: "A smouldering cigarette is the biggest cause of fatal fires, causing one third of all deaths from fires in the home.

"We know that these fires are more likely to start during the night and that some of the most common places for them to start are sofas, beds and carpets."

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue's fire safety officer, David Turnbull, said the risk was especially high because cigarettes can smoulder for hours, meaning people could be sound asleep before fire breaks out.

Smokers should put their cigarettes outside in a container before going to bed, said Mr Turnbull, adding: "I know it's a little inconvenient, but what cost a human life?"